Coal mines to recreational opportunities on the Indiana border
Danville, Illinois, in the eastern part of the state, on the Indiana border, has a rich coal mining and industrial past. After many of the coal mines closed in the start of the 20th century, some have become large parks. “Whether it’s city, county or a state park, recreation is end to end in the Danville area,” says Tracey Fentem, sales and events coordinator at the Danville Area Visitors Bureau. The parks in the city often are the site for community events. “Volunteers run a lot of these, and there’s usually no problem getting them,” says Andrea Calamari, a Realtor with Classic Homes Realty. “That’s the spirit of this area.”
Kickapoo State Recreation Area river freezes in the winter time.
Winter Park has vast open spaces used for a variety of outdoor activities and sports.
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City and Vermilion County parkland total over 15,000 acres
There are nearly two dozen parks in Danville, which, combined with surrounding Vermilion County, total over 15,000 acres. Kickapoo State Recreation Area has almost 35 miles of hiking trails that attract cross-country skiers in the winter, and plenty of ponds and lakes are suitable for canoeing and warm and cold weather fishing. Winter Park is on the city's north end, with multiple soccer and baseball fields and a 10,000-square-foot playground accessible to children of all abilities. Golfers enjoy the public courses at Harrison Park Golf Course and Turtle Run Golf Club.
Winter Park has two baseball diamonds with room to spare.
Kickapoo State Recreation Area is a vast network of waterways snaking around and though the park.
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First Fridays in downtown Danville
Every month, the community gets together in downtown Danville for events on the first Friday that are either free or low-cost. During the winter, indoor activities include Danville’s Got Talent at the Fischer Theatre. During the summer, street festivals include live music and carnivals. The Vermilion Regional Airport on the city's north side is the site for Balloons Over Vermilion, a hot-air balloon festival over two days in July. Arts in the Park has been a long-standing tradition in Lincoln Park, held annually in late June.
History in Danville
Abraham Lincoln practiced law in the Danville area in the mid-19th century before he became president. The Vermilion County Museum on North Gilbert Street features a reproduction of the courthouse where Lincoln spent most of his time. The Fithian House on the museum property is connected to Lincoln, an 1855 Italianate home. The Lamon House on the west side of Lincoln Park is an 1850 cottage home to Lincoln’s law partner. Not connected to Lincoln, the Fischer Theatre opened in 1884 and started as an opera house. It was vacant for at least 15 years before the Vermilion Heritage Foundation took the reins and restored the building. Today, it has live music and classic movies.
You'll find murals of Abraham Lincoln all around the Danville area.
The Vermilion County Museum in Danville, IL was organized in May of 1964.
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Danville houses well below the national average
The median price for a home in Danville is $100,000, well below the national average. North of downtown are pockets of homes around or over 100 years old. Most of the housing in Danville is single-family, while there are far fewer condos and multi-family houses. “You can have a lakefront house or one that backs up to a golf course for $300,000,” Calamari says. “There are many people who commute to Champaign because of that.”
The Danville Police Department said that in 2023, the number of violent crimes was down. While crime levels grew slightly in the two-year period before then, they remained far below previous high points from 2015 to 2017.
The median price for a home in Danville is $100,000, well below the national average.
Danville has condos right on Lake Vermilion on the north end of town.
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Danville School District 118
Danville Community Consolidated School District 118 is rated a C on Niche. Private schools include the A-rated Schlarman Academy, a Catholic school serving grades seven through twelve. Niche gives First Baptist Christian a B-minus. Danville Area Community College is a two-year school with an enrollment of just under 2,000, while the Lakeview College of Nursing was established in 1894 and has an enrollment of about 120. It’s located a block from the area’s largest hospital, OSF Sacred Heart Medical Center.
First Baptist Christian School serving kids pre-k through high school.
Schlarman Academy has many large donors to help the school grow, including the community.
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Local shops and the Village Mall
The downtown area has locally owned businesses and restaurants, while the other retail section features chains and big-box retail stores north of downtown on Vermilion Road. The Village Mall is part of this corridor, has about 30 stores, and been open for about 50 years. “Someone recently bought the mall, and we’ll see what happens to it, but it’s seen better days,” Calamari says.
Country Market of Danville, IL is located in Village Mall and one stop shop for grocery.
Village Mall has a mix of big box stores and smaller retail and fast food restaurants.
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Written By
Jeff Stapleton
Video By
Stewart Taveras
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Andrea Calamari,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Danville, IL sell after 36 days on the market compared to the national average of 57 days. The median sale price for homes in Danville, IL over the last 12 months is $114,500, up 24% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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Your dream home awaits! This beautifully maintained five-bedroom, 3.5-bath residence offers generous space, comfort, and charm—ideal for multi-generational living or entertaining. Two luxurious master suites provide flexible living: one features a large walk-in closet, the other a cozy fireplace. The expansive living room with attached sitting area and fireplace is perfect for relaxing or
Charming Completely Renovated 2BR / 1BA — Move-In Ready!Step into this beautifully updated 2-bedroom, 1-bath home fully renovated inside and out in 2025. No detail was spared — new roof, windows, siding, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, drywall, flooring, kitchen, appliances, and bathroom. Bright, open living spaces feature modern finishes, durable flooring, and fresh paint throughout. The
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Timeless character meets modern comfort in this stunning Tudor-style home! Offering 4 bedrooms, 3 full baths, and 2 half baths, this spacious residence blends classic charm with thoughtful updates throughout. The beautifully updated kitchen is perfect for everyday living and entertaining, while new luxury vinyl plank flooring adds both style and durability.The impressive living room features
This charming 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom home is located in the historic Rabbittown neighborhood. The spacious living area offers plenty of room for entertaining. The kitchen features ample cabinet space for added convenience and storage. You will enjoy the fenced-in backyard—perfect for pets, gardening, or outdoor gatherings. The bathroom was refreshed in 2026 with new paint and updated fixtures, and
Lakefront Family retreat with pool private dock, & 100 ft of frontage.Some vacations you remember. Others become part of your family's story. This exceptional lakefront retreat on Lake Vermilion is the kind of place that does both — where summers blur into cherished traditions and every visit feels like coming home.Set within the sought-after Lake Shores subdivision, the property commands
Indian Springs Retreat is a Recreational & Estate dream that you must see to believe. The property has everything you could ask for in a private Estate including hunting, fishing, swimming, trails, horse-back riding with private access to state parks and passive income all located out your front door! Game includes mature buck white-tail deer, wild turkey, fox, morel mushrooms, dove, pheasant,
This gorgeous new construction home can be built just for you! Featuring a 3-bedroom, 2-bath modern farmhouse design, this home offers an open floor plan perfect for everyday living and entertaining. This home will be built by River Scape Homes LLC Custom Builders. They have been building custom homes in central Illinois and Indiana for 20 years. This home is listed to be built with upon
Take a look at this 4 bedroom 2 1/2 bath home in Bismarck School District. It sits on 2.46 acres. If needed you could use the 2 rooms in the lower level as more bedrooms. Beautiful property. Theres a 2 1/2 car attached garage, and a 1 car detached garage. Kitchen and Dining Room open concept to Family room. Property is sold as is where is.
Private waterfront retreat! Tucked away at the end of a quiet dead-end road just steps from the Danville Boat Club, this beautifully maintained 5BR, 3.5BA home offers nearly 4,000 sq ft of exceptional living space. Surrounded by mature trees and stunning water views, this rare property blends luxury, privacy, and recreation. Inside features spacious living areas, generous bedrooms, loft/sitting
This beautifully restored building offers thoughtfully designed studio, one, two, and three-bedroom apartments, all meeting ADA accessibility standards. Enjoy the elegance of early 20th-century architecture paired with cutting-edge sustainability, including a geothermal heating and cooling system beneath the property’s parking area.Residents enjoy modern amenities within a historic
**Were Under New Management - Contact today for special pricing and leasing options!*Waterview Estates offers a superior location in the North Danville area. Located right off of Vermilion Street, access to employers in the area is easy. Restaurants and shopping are also very close by. The property have gone through some renovations recently, with some upgrades including: new kitchen
RENT SPECIAL!! Sign a lease with an April 1st start date & receive 50% off 1st Month's Rent!! This 2nd Floor 1-Bedroom apartment features an open concept Kitchen/Living Room, Large Bedroom w/ Double Closets, Kitchen Appliances included (Fridge & Stove) and Private Balcony w/ additional storage. Common area Laundry Facility on-site. Pet Friendly! Tenant Pays Gas & Electric (separately
Located on the north end of Danville, we offer you the ease of convenient living. Just minutes to Kickapoo State Park, Lake Vermillion, Turtle Run Golf Course, Middlefork State Fish & Wildlife area, shopping, restaurants, banks and much more.Voted 2023 Best Apartments in Danville by The Commercial News!
An income restricted property providing housing for senior citizens as well as those with special needs, Vermillion House is comprised of one hundred and sixty (160) 1 Bedroom apartment homes located in a single 3-floor building. OUR WAIT LIST IS ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR THOSE AGE 62 AND OVER AND FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES AGED 18-49.
Property Id: 2412722Beautiful antique Victorian house with 5 bedrooms, and 2 bathrooms. 1,600 sq ft, 2 story home fully furnished bedrooms, living areas and kitchen. Stocked completely with kitchen supplies, towels, and bed linens. Perfect for corporate sponsorship for traveling employees and executives, traveling medical professionals, patients, relocating families, etc. Great downtown
Property Id: 2478367Why keep renting when you could own?This home offers:• Affordable monthly payment• Move in right away• No traditional bank financing required• A chance to build ownership instead of paying rentPerfect for someone ready to take the next step toward owning a home but who may not qualify for a traditional mortgage.Opportunities like
Danville Rent to Own Home Deal913 Maple St, Danville, IL 61832Poor Credit/No Credit Doesn't MatterDown-payment & proof of income is your qualification to homeownership$4,000 down$730/moBuyer is responsible for taxes and insuranceCall/text for more info, pics, or to schedule viewing3B/1BSqft: 1,209Lot: 5,227 sqftYear:
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